It can be difficult to find the perfect gift ideas for elderly loved ones. If your elderly loved one is in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, it can be even harder to know just what to get them. The right gift can make all the difference. It reminds your loved one how much you care for them and can help them transition into their new living arrangement more comfortably. Today, we’ll explore some of the best gifts to give your loved one in an assisted living facility and how to make it feel thoughtful and special.
At Haven Health, our care teams are committed to helping families like you give their loved ones the best experience. Contact our team to learn about the quality care our assisted living medical staff provides, how our facilities can meet your loved ones’ needs, and more.
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What Are Some Thoughtful Gift Ideas for a Family Member in Assisted Living?
There are a range of thoughtful gift ideas you can give a loved one in an assisted living facility. Below are some ideas that will spark their joy and create lasting memories:
Know Your Loved One’s Interests
The best gift is one that is centered around your loved one’s interests. It can always be a good idea to give items, objects, or other gifts they have enjoyed in the past, but it’s also important to recognize that your loved ones’ interests may have changed while at the assisted living facility. During visits, take the time to learn about their interests and what activities they enjoy, and start your gift-giving planning from there.
Plan Gifts Centered Around Their Hobbies
Many assisted living facilities have activities that residents can explore. This allows them the opportunity to tap into different hobbies or experiences. If your loved one is picking up a new hobby or is enjoying a new activity, consider a gift that centers around that activity. For example, if they have gotten into gardening, a personalized gardening tool set can be a great gift to give.
What Are Some Creative Gift Ideas for a Loved One in Assisted Living?
Your loved one will spend time getting to know the other residents in their assisted living facility, and over time, these residents may be some of the most important people in their lives. Some of the best and most creative gifts to give your loved one can include the participation of the other residents. For example, a thoughtful birthday gift could be arranged to have all the residents sign a card and share a memory.
Related: The Role of Family in Senior Care
How Can I Choose a Practical Gift for Someone in an Assisted Living Facility?
Practical gifts always make the best gifts. Practical gifts are not only guaranteed to be used, but your loved one will be reminded of you every time they use them. Some of the most popular practical gifts to give your loved one at an assisted living facility include:
Comfort Items
Think of items like fuzzy socks, slippers, bedding sets, a comfortable throw blanket, pillows, or even a new robe. These are all items your loved one will enjoy while also giving you the peace of mind you’re making their time at the assisted living facilities comfortable and relaxing.
Soap and Lotion Sets
A quality soap and lotion set can be a great gift for your loved one. It will add a touch of luxury to their everyday routine and can be a great way to remind them of you. These also make some of the best nursing home gift ideas for new residents who are just starting to acclimate to their new living space.
What Are the Best Personalized Gifts for a Loved One in Assisted Living?
Personalized gifts can help some seniors create lasting memories with their loved ones even when they are not there. Consider the following gifts that have the right touch of personalization:
Photo Albums
Personalized photo albums always make great gifts. Collect some of your favorite memories of your loved ones’ friends, family, and adventures and put them together in a photo album. Not only is this a great gift your loved one will have on hand, but it’s a wonderful way for them to share their lives with other residents.
Give the Gift of Music
Music can be a wonderful way to transport your loved one to different times and memories in their life. An excellent way to do this is by gifting your loved one a music playlist. You can do this by loading an iPod or MP3 player with their favorite songs, which they can listen to whenever they are missing home.
What Kinds of Gifts Are Best for Seniors in Assisted Living?
Seniors living in an assisted living facility will appreciate gifts that can help them personalize their living space. Consider different decor gifts to help your loved ones spruce up their living space. Consider gifting them door wreaths, a beautiful welcome sign, wall art, a houseplant, and other decor items you think they’ll love.
How Can I Make a Holiday Gift Special for Someone in Assisted Living?
The holidays can be difficult for anyone, especially individuals in assisted living facilities. However, with the right holiday gift, you can still make the holidays special.
A Revolving Door of Loved Ones
One of the best gifts to give is a family visit with all your loved one’s favorite people. Space out the visits over a period of time, like a week or several weekends, so your loved one truly feels the love and support of family and friends.
Give the Gift of Giving
A unique gift to give your loved one is the gift of giving to others —specifically, their favorite people. You can do this by prepping for the holiday season with your loved one by your side. Plan a visit to their assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility, or nursing home, and bring along all the gifts you plan to give others (especially if those others are family and friends your elderly loved one has a connection with). Also, bring along holiday cards, wrapping paper, and other arts and crafts you may need to wrap gifts.
With all your gear in tow, you can begin wrapping and making holiday cards with your loved one. They will feel included in the holiday season and have the chance to create beautiful memories with you.
Turn to the Team at Haven Health
Whether your loved one is in a senior care facility like a nursing home or a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, you can still make their time memorable and enjoyable with the right gift. At Haven Health, our teams are committed to providing your loved one with the best experience and quality care. Learn more about the best assisted living facility or look for a senior care facility near you when you turn to the team at Haven Health.
Contact Haven Health to learn more.
Sources:
González-Ojea, M. et al. (2022). Can Music Therapy Improve the Quality of Life of Institutionalized Elderly People?
Rule R432-270 – Assisted Living Facilities. (2024).
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. (2024).